Independent Living Communities

Many people, as they age, consider the possibility of revising their living arrangements due to many different possible reasons. Some, after retiring, would want to relive their independence or spend a more active life with people their age, while others want to shed all concerns associated with owning a full-sized house for a life that is much simpler and less worrisome. Whether it is independence or an active social life that they want, they can have both worlds in an Independent Living Community. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were 44.7 million people 65 and older in the US as of July 1, 2013, accounting for 14.1% of the population.

Independent living communities, also known as Retirement communities, Retirement homes, Senior housing, Congregate care, 55+ or 62+ communities, Active adult communities, Senior apartments or senior housing, or Continuing Care Retirement Community, are designed for adults, aged 55 or above, who need very little assistance with activities of daily living, who prefer a place that does not require too much maintenance and upkeep, and who would like to spend more time socializing with peers while having a lot of other options for outdoor activity nearby at the same time.

Since the residents have very little to no medical needs at all, this makes independent living communities the least expensive among all types senior housing. However, if a senior resident begins to require help with activities of daily living, then he or she can easily transfer his or her type of residency from independent living to an assisted living or even move to a skilled nursing facility, which is usually available on the same site.

Independent living communities provide residents with their own apartment, cottage or villa; there are also others who prefer a small house. Whatever type of shelter this is, it is surely more adult-friendly as it is easier to navigate and does not have stairs that the resident will have to keep on ascending and descending. Some apartments in the community are larger than others since these are built with two bedrooms, a living room space, a dining room, a kitchen, and more.

Some communities also feature recreational centers, clubhouses, swimming pools, exercise rooms, salons, barbershops, and access to golf courses and tennis courts, in addition to community dining rooms and social activities which will help foster friendship among seniors who consider these places home.

Many online sites offer a list of Assisted Living communities which, at the same time, also offer other types of senior living facilities and long-term senior care. The communities included in the list provide seniors and their families all the information they will need regarding each type of community, including location, facilities, services offered and cost.

With regard to cost of independent living, Medicare does not have coverage for this type of senior housing; thus, payment will have to come from residents’ savings, pension, or from the sale of their home and/or other assets.